8: A Shared Drink

HARPER

I was lost in my thoughts, having already downed two shots of whiskey. I didn’t care about the proper way to drink it—I just wanted the burn to numb my insides. I was nursing my third shot, knowing that I’d soon retreat to my room and stare at my phone, seeking solace in my own company.

A chuckle bubbled up inside me as I prepared to down the rest of my drink. But then, a faint scent of freesia wafted toward me. It was a sweet, floral aroma that was distinct and refreshing.

My mother loved freesias, so I recognized the scent instantly. My hand froze mid-air, the glass hovering above the bar. There was only one person I knew who wore that scent—Sierra.

“May I sit?” Her soft voice startled me, causing me to turn my head so quickly I almost gave myself whiplash. She stood there, looking slightly uncertain.

I blinked a few times, making sure I wasn’t imagining her presence. I glanced around, wondering why she was here.

“Of course. You shouldn’t have to ask permission to sit,” I said, still scanning the room. I spotted her bodyguard across the way, but no one else. Something felt off.

Despite the thrill coursing through me, I knew this was out of character for her. She hesitated at my words before finally taking a seat. Her dress had a slit on my side, and it took all my willpower not to let my gaze wander.

She sat with her legs crossed and her posture perfect. Her hair was immaculately styled, but I couldn’t help but imagine how it would look tousled, framing her face, or spread out on a pillow. I was going to need another drink soon.

I mentally scolded myself not to gawk at her like a typical man.

“I appreciate your kind words earlier, Beta Harper,” Sierra said.

“Just Harper. We’re at a bar, I’m three drinks in. It’s a pretty informal setting,” I replied, finishing my third drink.

She looked at me, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “You wolves are so straightforward. I like that. As a peace offering, you don’t need to address me as ‘lady’ this time either.” She offered a small smile, and it hit me like a punch to the gut.

“That’s kind of you,” I said, returning her smile and signaling the bartender. I could feel her eyes on me as I looked away. I was sitting next to my true mate, who was oblivious to our connection.

I knew her customs, and I knew this was unusual for her. I suspected she had been sent to talk to me, probably by her suitor or her father. It was a clever tactic, especially considering what she meant to me.

“Another whiskey, sir?” the bartender asked.

I nodded. He then turned to Sierra. “Lady Sierra, what can I get you? It’s a pleasure to have you here this evening.”

Sierra ordered a drink I’d never had before—it was a vampire specialty, made with blood.

“If I may ask, what brings you here to sit and chat with me?” I asked, feeling the whiskey starting to take effect. I knew I should be careful—I was less likely to censor myself when I was drinking. But I didn’t really care.

This was my chance to talk to her, even though blurting out our true mate status in a crowded bar would be incredibly foolish.

“I was curious about you. I had some free time and saw you. I thought I might learn something about the mysterious beta of the most feared lycan pack. The one who stood up during a meeting because I did,” she said.

So she had noticed. I hadn’t been trying to hide it, but it was interesting that she had picked up on it. It must have made an impression.

“I think it’s ridiculous that they made you stand,” I said. Or touch her without her consent. Touch her when I was denied that privilege.

My gaze involuntarily drifted down to her legs and then up her body. I shifted uncomfortably, trying to suppress my arousal. I forced myself to look away.

“It would have been nice to sit,” she admitted quietly, taking a large sip of her drink.

I raised an eyebrow—her comment was revealing. She probably wasn’t happy with her role.

“Are you not Adis’ heir?” I asked. She should have been higher-ranking than any male, regardless of what they said. She shouldn’t have had to serve or stand.

“I am his heir,” she confirmed. But I could tell there was more to it than that. I decided to change the subject—I didn’t want to waste our time together discussing politics.

“Tell me about yourself, Sierra. We’re off duty, having drinks. What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not performing your duties?” I asked. I knew I had to tread carefully.

My animal instincts were urging me to be more forward, but I knew that wouldn’t be wise with a woman I barely knew.

“Do we ever really have free time? I can’t imagine you do,” she replied, a spark in her eyes. She finished her drink and ordered another. We both seemed to be using alcohol to drown our inner demons.

Her comment confirmed my suspicion that she had been sent to talk to me, rather than choosing to do so herself. I wondered how I could change that.

“Occasionally. I like to carve wood when I have the time. What about you? Don’t be boring—I don’t often get to talk about anything other than work,” I said, almost grumbling.

She made a small sound, clearly not expecting my blunt honesty. I heard her sigh.

“Dancing is something I love. There’s a rhythm to music that’s just captivating. It’s a pastime I don’t get to indulge in often. I must confess, I’ve never seen anyone carve before.” Her voice held a note of genuine interest. Or maybe she was just good at pretending.

I suspected her version of pretending involved maintaining a poker face and uttering the word ‘interesting’.

“Dancing helps me tune out the world. I don’t have to think about anything else, just focus on the dance,” I shared. She seemed deep in thought.

I considered commenting on her love for dancing. My gaze drifted toward the dance floor where a couple was swaying to the music. I decided to hold off on the invitation to dance, to gauge her intentions a bit longer.

It was unfortunate that I had to be suspicious of her. But given her father’s reputation and the territorial politics, it would be foolish not to be. So, I chose to sit and drink a bit more.

SIERRA

Never before had I been so drawn to a man as I was to Harper. I was here on my father’s orders, but with each passing moment, my heart seemed to race a little faster each time our eyes met.

A thrill ran through me whenever he seemed to lean in closer during our conversation. It was ridiculous to feel this way, wasn’t it? I was here to seduce a business associate, after all.

But we weren’t discussing sex, and he hadn’t made any suggestive comments. He seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. It was a little sad that I found this level of attention so thrilling.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but I didn’t think I’d had enough to affect me this much.

He was undeniably attractive, and I found his voice soothing. His genuine interest made it easier to entertain certain thoughts. Why couldn’t I have been born a wolf in his territory?

It would be so much simpler to have these feelings then, wouldn’t it? Any woman who received his full attention must feel cherished. He seemed attentive, strong, straightforward, but not cruel.

Not like the men I was used to.

The night was turning into early morning, and the bar was thinning out, but we were still talking. I noticed his gaze sweep over me a few times, and I found myself enjoying it. Normally, I would roll my eyes at such attention, but his gaze stirred something different in me.

Why was he affecting me so much?

“Would you like to dance, Sierra?” Harper suddenly asked, his gaze intense yet cautious.

I took a deep breath. This was part of my mission, wasn’t it? To entertain him? Yes, others would see us, but it wouldn’t be unusual for people of our status to dance and chat.

My mind was already racing with possibilities.

“I would love to,” I replied, my heart pounding in my chest.

He studied me for a moment before standing up, bringing him very close to me. His scent filled my senses, reminding me of the ocean. I liked it.

Lost in my thoughts, I followed him to the dance floor. I was slightly taken aback when he took hold of me. His hand rested on my lower back, the other holding my hand.

He was as tall as I was, even with my heels on. We weren’t pressed against each other, but we were close. A shiver ran down my spine as we began to move in sync. His grace surprised me.

“Surprised?” he asked, a teasing edge to his smile. “Did you think animals don’t know how to dance?”

I felt my cheeks heat up. “I don’t think that at all. Most men just don’t take the time to learn,” I replied.

He chuckled and spun me around. When I returned to him, his arm was around my back, pulling me closer. His body was pressed against mine, his hand resting just above the slit of my dress.

The room seemed to heat up, and I was acutely aware of his strength, his masculinity. Yet, there was a gentleness in his hold, a promise that he would let go if I asked him to.

“Can I ask you something, Sierra?” Harper’s voice was low, his face close to mine.

I was so focused on him that I barely noticed the music. Was there something about his species that was making me feel this way?

“I’m all ears,” I replied. Our dance was slowing down. His hold on me was more intimate now.

“Were you sent to talk to me?” His voice was barely above a whisper, his lips almost brushing against mine.

I had to be drunk. That was the only explanation for why I wanted to kiss this man I barely knew. But I held back, swallowing hard. Of course, he would suspect something if I came on too strong.

“I was, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t enjoyed our conversation,” I admitted, feeling his fingers flex against my hip.

What if I just asked him to touch me? I longed for a gentle touch. I didn’t have to be careful, did I? My life was already planned out for me. Maybe I could find some joy in this assignment.

“Do they think I would give in if you offered something?” he asked, his gaze sharp.

I could see the animal in him, assessing the potential threat. But there was something else there too. This time, his lips brushed against mine, making it hard to think. Was he going to kiss me here, in front of everyone?

I swallowed hard, barely aware of our movements. “Isn’t it better to be in bed with a friend than an enemy?” I replied.

He stared at me for a moment before spinning me around and pulling me back into his arms. My stomach fluttered as he held me close again.

“Is that what you want, Sierra? To be your father’s pawn? To do his bidding?” His words should have angered me, but they didn’t. They were the truth, and we both knew it. He was no fool.

“No. We’re from two different worlds. But if that’s not what you’re after, I appreciate the friendly chat. If you want more, I won’t stop you,” I confessed.

My father’s looming presence made me speak, but Harper’s allure made me want to follow through. I swallowed hard as he leaned in, his words barely a whisper in my ear.

“If you were here for yourself and not for anyone else, I’d accept your silent invitation without a second thought,” he murmured.

His hand slipped lower, disappearing into the slit of my dress, his fingers inching up high enough to almost grasp my backside. A wave of desire surged through me, pooling between my legs.

“I’d spend the entire night worshipping your body, exploring every hidden dip and curve.” His fingers dug in a little deeper, pulling us closer.

I was oblivious to our surroundings. His whispered promises ignited a fire within me. I hadn’t realized I harbored such a desire, such a longing to let a man I barely knew do unspeakable things to me. But I wanted him to, wanted him to introduce me to pleasure.

His words sent another shiver down my spine. “I’d discover what makes you beg, what makes you moan, and I’d relish every moment of it as I find my own pleasure in you.”

~God, let him talk dirtier~ I thought. It felt so wrong, yet so right. Was I messed up? Or was I just starved for attention?

Suddenly, he pulled away, creating a gap between us. I stared at him, bewildered.

“But here’s the thing, Seirra. I don’t take unwilling women to my bed. If you’re here out of obligation, you can go back and tell them I’m not interested. It won’t get you anywhere. I think less of it,” he said.

His words stung, igniting a spark of shame within me. So he thought less of me? I wanted to be angry, as if he knew the choices I had. But his words rang true, and I couldn’t meet his gaze.

“You’re not obligated to do anything. I’m not interested in you because of them. I’m interested in a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. If you want something for yourself, you know where to find me,” he said.

With that, he released me, gave me a slow once-over, and turned to leave.

I stood there, lost in my thoughts. Should I go? Should I stay? Was he discouraging me, or was I just doing this because I was told to?

I was left in a state of confusion as he disappeared from sight. His words echoed in my mind.

I turned and headed to the bar. “I’ll have the strongest shot you’ve got,” I said to the bartender.

He nodded and handed me a shot of something that could probably kill a human. I downed it, and the burn was intense.

I exhaled sharply and turned to leave. I had made up my mind.

I was going to throw caution to the wind and face the consequences. I could be a woman who took what she wanted.